1996 grand prix

[russ]

Since a faulty camshaft sensor or a faulty crankshaft sensor could be causing the same problem, I am going to replace both. Can anyone verify that the camshaft sensor is located behind the pulley/harmonic balancer and that the crankshaft sensor is on the lower side of the block nearest the firewall? Thank you.

[Jeremy airjer W]

3.1 or 3.4 liter?

There are 2 crank sensors. A 24x behind the crank pulley and a low resolution on the backside of the engine between the engine and the trans on the passenger side.

The cam sensor is located behind the power steering pump. Likely not the issue.

[russ]

3.1 liter. What do you mean by "24x" behind the crank pulley?

Thanks.

[Jeremy airjer W]

There should be a high resolution and a low resolution crank sensor.

The high resolution sensor (24x) is located behind the crank pulley

The low resolution is on the side of the block

Most of the problems are with the low resolution in the side of the block.

[russ]

Thanks for your help. Pics are always a great help. The issues I'm having are severe hesitation upon acceleration from a stop, no acceleration at highway speeds at times (like when I want to pass someone), poor mpg, poor acceleration until the gas pedal is pushed to the floor, then it suddenly accelerates. All of these symptoms are erratic and don't happen all the time although the problems are worsening.

[Jeremy airjer W]

MAF sensor!

Unplug it and see if the problem improves. If the crank sensor goes bad it just stalls. If the cam sensor goes bad you might get an extended crank but the check engine light will be on for sure.

Otherwise you're almost describing a plugged cat. I can almost guarantee the crank sensors are not the problem.